Day I decided to dump Eagles for Austria - David Alaba

BAYERN Munich youngster, David Alaba, says he should have been playing representative football for Nigeria but was denied by stringent eligibility rule by football officials in the country.

 

Alaba, whose father is Nigerian and of  Filipino mother, plays for Austrian national team but only after he has been turned down by Nigeria.

The defender said he actually planned to join Nigeria's  cadet  team which won the 2007 FIFA World Youth Championship at South Korea but words reached him of his ineligibilty.

''I wanted to play for Nigeria but I must confess that there was no formal approach for me. A scout actually discussed that with me. I was excited because of my dad, he was a fan of Sunday Oliseh when Oliseh played for FC Koln. As a kid, I loved to watch Victor Agali in the jersey of Hansa Rostock,'' he told an Austrian news medium.

However, Alaba was shocked when told by the scout that Nigeria had plans mainly for its home-grown talents.

'' I got the information that Nigeria will only consider those who were in the country perhaps because of travelling logistics and that is the end of that."

Champions League ticket excites EMENIKE

Nigerian international striker, Emmanuel Emenike has set his sight on doing well at the UEFA Champions League trophy after helping his Russian team to secure a play-off ticket next season.

The talented striker refused to comment on his latest national team snub but rather focus more on his career and believes that the doors are still wide open.

"I'm excited for achieving my target with my club, and everybody appreciated what I did in terms of scoring, I think we are there now and our focus will be on how to make surprise and win the trophy.

"It's possible. Football has gone beyond your thinking. Football of today is all about focus and luck. Chelsea are lucky to be at the final and that is football for you.

"Who knows whether it's my turn next season but I am very confident that I will lift it. "It's a thrilling trophy to have in your cabinet and I am really dreaming one as well.

"Me disappointed? No! I can only wish the team well. Of course I am still part of the team since i am not the only player left out. I think i can focus on having some rest and looking forward to my career.

IHUGBA backs MIKEL for Champions League trophy

Sarpsbor 08 midfield Prince Stanley Ihugba has put his weight behind his country man Mikel Obi and club Chelsea to win today’s Champions League final ahead of Bayern Munich.

Ihugba,  a promising youngster who was dubbed as new Mikel Obi in Norway with his prolific style of play credited Mikel for his improved form of recent particularly against almighty Barcelona.

"I want Chelsea to win the trophy simply because of Mikel," said Ihugba.

"Mikel has been fantastic of recent and it will be a reward for his hardworking particularly for his marching game against Barcelona.

"I know it's not going to be an easy game for both teams but if you look at Chelsea team this season, they are not that solid at the beginning but they started picking their form when they beat Tottenham and they went on to win games and defeat the defending Champions. So they deserve it.

"But they must be wary of Arjen Robben and Ribery but if they play the way they play against Barca, they may pay for it but I think Mikel is good for the medal at least.

Ihugba, who lost his father some week ago will be in Imo State for the burial billed to hold Friday, May 26. 

Chief Linus Egbule Ihugba, 76, died on May 6 after a brief illness.

EMENIKE: I’m not a trouble maker

Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike has exclusively opens up on his celebration after scoring an equalizing goal against Zenith Petersburg in which his club won 2-3 in the Russian league.

The bullish Nigerian striker was sent off for tapping his forearm immediately after awkwardly knocking the ball into the net. With soccer having enough suggestions of corruption, such bizarre refereeing will not go unnoticed.

“I don’t care what some papers might have report but I know myself that I am not a trouble maker, I have not done anything wrong in my celebration against Zenith, I love the celebration when Samuel Eto’o did it against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final, and he’s a kind of player that I cherished so much and I develop a lot of things through his game, so why my name everywhere over such celebration?”

“I think the referee was either confused or wrong but I am not in position to judge the situation instead I will concentrate on our last game to see if I will be legible to play the game. 

“I will never be intimidated, this is my career, I have so much to build on it, controversial issues like this can only make me stronger, it is one of those things but fair play is the best.

Emenike has said that finishing at the second spot at the end of proceedings in the Russian elite division will be a dream come true for him at Spartak Moscow.

The 24-year-old forward scored his 12th goal in 18 matches last weekend. 

“I am hungry of more goals, I have been commended by my team mates and the coaching crew for my speedy development in the league even when the going was rough, I still concentrate and that is when you can see that Emenike has not time to make trouble but to score goals.”

EXCLUSIVE! Arsenal set to offer ODIBE bumper deal

…AS Roma, Levante on queue

Arsenal kiev of Ukraine are ready to offer Nigeria international Michael Odibe a bumer deal that will rank him among the Nigerian big boys in Europe to block off suitors like Marseille, Werder Bremen and AS Roma of Italy.

Reports are gathering pace that the Ukrainian club side are feeling reluctant to lose one of their most outstanding player of the season Odibe who had shun like millions of stars in the defence role of the team, and the club are looking to offer him a mouth watering deal that will fence transfer speculations and rank him among the league big boy earners.

The club President has been largely impressed by the lanky defence who has four goals and helped in sanitising the defence to place the club in Europa cup play-off next season.

9jasoccerblog also understand that AS Roma of Italy and La Liga outfit who are also in the race to sign Kabiru Akinsola are showing interest but Marseille who are the top bidders are now ready to renew their bid for the highly rated defender and they believe the club would not be able to refuse a big money offer.

OFEM Inah woos Keshi for invitation

Sunshine Stars and Dream Team V right full back Ofem Inah has task Super Eagles chief coach Stephen Keshi for senior national team call up having been part of Home Base Dream Team players under the failing class of Austin Eguavon who has all the equipment to land Nigeria to London 2012 Olympic soccer game in August but failed technically.

Inah has been regarded as one of the finest Nigeria Premier League defender, and a consistent starter in Sunshine Stars reveal that he’s looking forward to a call up from the Super Eagles coach.

“I want to be part of the Home based Super Eagles players,” said Ofem.

“Every local players like myself love to don the country’s colors, not only to wear but the prove my talent, I will be glad if the coach can give me chance for the subsequent matches in his hand, I also think that I have what to convince him as regulars in the team.

AKINSOLA set for La Liga next season

Cardiz CF forward rave of the moment Kabiru Akinsola has refuse to restrict his dream of playing in one the best league as his rising form could land him in the Spanish top divison next season.

The gangling winger, currently on loan to Cardiz from Granada, has been in hot-form in the Spanish second tier and his goals have gotten on noticed. And a return to Granada in the summer is on the card with some club in La Liga moving closer to sign him.

“I have mature enough to play at the highest stage, I don’t know what will happen but I will like to play in La Liga next season, I have justified my loan deal and I think my performance in Segunda B are already linking me with some move but the President is yet to comment.”

“I am enjoying myself self here but if Granada call me back to the team since they remain in La Liga, of course I will gladly be there but if not I may join another club in La Liga in the summer if the President agrees.

"With the exit of Ikechukwu Uche, I think I may have my chance because it will be difficult for the club hold the service of three Nigerians with the likes of myself, Ighalo and Uche but I have not been contacted yet,” he concluded.